Absolute Green Lantern #5 An In-depth Analysis of Anomaly and the Judgment of Fear
Absolute Green Lantern: Part 5, A Confluence of Fear and Anomaly
This deep dive explores the thematic core and explosive narrative of *Absolute Green Lantern* Episode 5, "With Fear," dissecting the intricate web of characters and cosmic forces at play in this pivotal installment of the series.
The Cosmic Prelude: A New Kind of Judgment
The narrative of "With Fear" unfolds with an unsettling sense of cosmic inevitability, as an individual, later identified as Todd Rice, finds himself at the center of a profound and terrifying judgment. The initial pages establish a scene of utter devastation, where survivors of an unknown event are found amidst rubble. A mysterious, foreboding voice makes a series of pronouncements, stating that a cosmic judgment has been paused and that no new Abin Sur can be appointed. This chilling declaration suggests a significant collapse in the traditional order and rules of the Green Lantern Corps. The voice’s fixation on "fear" and an "unknown within the spectrum of light" immediately elevates the stakes beyond a simple skirmish, hinting at a larger, existential threat that challenges the very principles governing the universe's most powerful police force. The appearance of Hector Hammond, a figure of authority with a sinister agenda, introduces a human element of manipulation and self-interest, contrasting sharply with the cosmic scale of the unfolding events. Hammond's disregard for the injured individual's well-being in favor of his own scientific curiosity creates a morally murky backdrop for the narrative's progression.
As the story delves into the individual’s account, it is revealed that a cataclysmic event, described as "God's fist hitting the cities of the plain," was responsible for the destruction. This metaphorical language emphasizes the overwhelming power of the force at work. The survivor has fragmented memories, but he clearly recalls an "alien Abin Sur" and the fact that everything he once knew—his home, his cafe, and all his acquaintances—is gone. This first-person narration is a clever way to convey a personal sense of immense loss and cosmic dread, making a vast, universe-spanning disaster feel heartbreakingly personal. The mention of Hal Jordan being outside, and the survivor's belief that Hal "wouldn't leave me," introduces a layer of loyalty and potential betrayal that will become a central emotional conflict. This sets the stage for a tense narrative that not only explores cosmic forces but also the very human emotions of fear, loss, and trust. The visual storytelling, with its stark panels of wreckage and isolated figures, reinforces the bleakness and scale of the disaster, capturing the feeling of being a small part of an overwhelming event.
A Spectrum of Anomaly: The Plight of Jo Mullein
The story gains complexity with the introduction of Jo Mullein, a character who is not a typical Green Lantern, but rather a unique "anomaly." This is a state that the comic describes as "power without understanding," a condition that is considered impossible within the established "spectrum of light." This makes her a character whose very existence defies the rules of her own universe. This scientific-sounding principle adds a layer of depth to the lore, suggesting that the universe has rules that are being broken, and Jo Mullein's existence is a direct violation of them. This immediately makes her a target, as the mysterious voice declares she will be "sought" and "hunted." The confrontation between Hal Jordan and this entity is intense, as Hal seeks answers about Jo's whereabouts and what was done to her. The creature, in turn, mocks him, asserting that Jo has been "turned... into something like you," which further blurs the lines between good and evil, order and chaos. The dramatic tension is palpable as Hal's gun clicks empty, symbolizing his powerlessness against this cosmic threat and highlighting the limitations of conventional heroics in the face of such a profound and otherworldly force. This segment of the story serves as a crucial turning point, moving the focus from the initial judgment to the specific threat posed by Jo's unique existence and the entity's plans for her. The visual style, with its dynamic action and emotional close-ups, effectively conveys the desperation and fury of the moment.
The Black Hand's Judgement and the Black Star
The climax of this initial conflict is a dramatic and shocking revelation. The menacing figure, which had been concealed in black, goo-like substance, unmasks itself as "The Black Hand" and pronounces a formidable "Judgment, Hal Jordan!" This act is more than a mere assault; it serves as a proclamation of a new cosmic order, one fundamentally built on the power of fear. The Black Hand's speech is a masterclass in psychological warfare, intertwining a personal attack on Hal with a broader, cosmic threat. He speaks of a coming world and the "Black Star," suggesting a catastrophic event on the horizon that is both a physical and conceptual force. The Black Hand's philosophy is simple yet terrifying: "Be with fear." This is a direct counterpoint to the Green Lantern Corps' creed of willpower and courage, establishing a fundamental ideological battle. The imagery of the black goop, a substance that is both formless and menacing, visually represents the insidious nature of fear itself, capable of corrupting and consuming all it touches. Hector Hammond's subsequent discovery of this "black goop" and his desire to study it further connects the two disparate threads of the story, showing how the cosmic threat is bleeding into the human world. He recognizes the power of the "anomaly," Jo Mullein, and her connection to this larger event, making her a person of interest for his own nefarious purposes. This convergence of cosmic and human motivations makes the narrative incredibly compelling, showing how both heroes and villains are grappling with a force they do not fully comprehend.
The Unfolding Crisis and Shifting Power Dynamics
The central conflict reaches a fever pitch as Jo Mullein, now aware of her own nature as an "anomaly," grapples with the implications. The narrative shifts to her perspective, revealing the inner turmoil of a character who is coming to terms with a power she doesn't fully understand. The phrase "taking control" and the visual representation of her power manifesting in an uncontrolled way emphasize the danger and potential for destruction she represents. The dialogue between her and the shadowy figure, who turns out to be a manifestation of the black goop, is particularly telling. It's a psychological battle, where the entity attempts to force her to "take off the ring," thereby relinquishing her connection to the Green Lantern Corps and its power. This is a direct attack on her identity and her commitment to the cause. The use of a gray, noir-like color palette during this sequence underscores the moral ambiguity and the high stakes of this internal and external struggle. The comic uses striking visuals to show the raw power of Jo's construct, a huge, blocky form, juxtaposed with the insidious, tendril-like black goop, a clear visual representation of the conflict between order and chaos, willpower and fear. The narrative successfully portrays the idea that true strength is not just about raw power, but about understanding and controlling the force you wield, a lesson Jo must learn in the most harrowing of circumstances.
A Scientific Glimpse into the Spectrum of Light and Anomaly
The comic's exploration of the "spectrum of light" is both a core concept and a metaphorical device. The spectrum represents order, a system where each color has a specific emotional wavelength and a defined role. The "anomaly" that Jo Mullein embodies is a disruption of this order, a wildcard element that cannot be easily categorized or controlled. This is a brilliant narrative choice, as it allows the writers to explore themes of identity and uniqueness within a rigid, pre-existing structure. The cosmic events are given a more grounded, pseudo-scientific feel through the dialogue with Hector Hammond's team. They are shown actively scanning for the "green light" and detecting a puzzling "anomaly," which helps to contextualize the otherworldly happenings in a way that feels more tangible. The mention of "readings now, sir, unlike anything we've ever seen before" and the reference to "The Great One" being in trouble highlights the uniqueness of Jo's situation and signals a shift in the cosmic balance of power. The visual representation of her power, a glowing, almost pixelated green light, is a great artistic choice, making her stand out from the other, more conventional constructs seen in the comics. Her power is chaotic and raw, a force of nature that defies the established rules, making her a beacon of hope and a target of fear. The final pages of the issue show a confrontation that seems to transcend time and space, with Hal Jordan and a yellow-glowing figure representing fear floating in a dark void. The command "Be with fear," echoing the earlier dialogue, brings the central theme full circle. This dramatic cliffhanger leaves the reader with a powerful sense of anticipation, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this cosmic saga.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jo Mullein and why is she considered an "anomaly"?
Jo Mullein is a Green Lantern from the future who possesses a unique power that operates outside the conventional "spectrum of light." The comic refers to her as an "anomaly" because her power is not just derived from the Green Lantern ring; it is an inherent, and chaotic, force that defies the established rules of the cosmos. This makes her both incredibly powerful and a target for those who seek to enforce a rigid cosmic order.
What is the significance of the phrase "Be with Fear"?
The phrase "Be with Fear" is a core thematic element of this issue, and it's delivered by the antagonist, the Black Hand. This sentence means the statement acts as a direct and evil opposite to the Green Lantern Corps' core belief of using willpower to conquer fear. It sets up a clear conflict between two opposing philosophies. The Black Hand is not just using fear as a weapon, but as a philosophical principle, a cosmic force that he believes should govern the universe. This sets up a profound ideological conflict that is central to the series' storyline.
What is the Black Hand's identity and his ultimate goal?
The Black Hand is a classic Green Lantern villain, but his portrayal in this comic takes on a new, more cosmic dimension. He appears as a sinister, fear-based entity, judging Hal Jordan and speaking of a coming world and the "Black Star." He represents a force that seeks to replace the current cosmic order with one of fear and judgment. His motives are tied to the concept of the "spectrum of light" and the existence of "anomalies" like Jo Mullein, whom he sees as a threat to his new order.
What is "The Black Star" mentioned in the issue?
"The Black Star" is a mysterious and ominous event or entity mentioned by the Black Hand. Although its specific nature is not fully disclosed, it is strongly suggested to be a catastrophic, universe-changing force connected to the dominance of fear. Its looming arrival represents the main threat to the heroes and the entire universe, and it is a key mystery that propels the story's plot.
How does Hector Hammond fit into the narrative?
Hector Hammond is introduced as a human figure of authority who is interested in the cosmic events from a purely scientific and self-serving perspective. He is intrigued by both the "black goop" left by the Black Hand and Jo Mullein's unique nature as an "anomaly." His role is to bridge the gap between the cosmic and human worlds, serving as a foil to the heroes and a pragmatic villain who seeks to exploit these otherworldly forces for his own gain.